Off-Earth Mining

Planetary Resources is planning to mine near-Earth asteroids for metals, minerals, and water. Not hoping to, not speculating about, actually planning to in the near future. Since these can be several light-minutes from Earth, and their distance can vary dramatically, it will probably be necessary to send astronauts, not just robotic explorers. Which is pretty cool. But Popular Mechanics wonders whether the Moon would be a better bet than near-Earth asteroids. Regardless, get ready for private industry in space.